Tourists from Japan finding less appeal in Kyoto, as popular attractions drop in favor of Nara during high tourist seasons
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In a surprising turn of events, Japanese travelers are increasingly choosing to visit Nara over Kyoto, traditionally one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Japan. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including overtourism, commercialization, and a loss of traditional local atmosphere in Kyoto.
According to a report by TBS Cross Dig with Bloomberg via Golden Times, the average price per night for a stay in a Kyoto hotel is around 50% more than it was two years ago. This increase in cost, coupled with the crowded attractions, has made Kyoto less affordable for Japanese travelers.
Meanwhile, the weak yen is making Japan more attractive to foreign tourists, causing a surge in visitors. However, this influx of tourists has led to overcrowding in Kyoto, contributing to a negative impact on the local experience.
Kyoto, known for its historic temples, beautiful gardens, and traditional culture, has seen a significant rise in tourist-oriented hotels and accommodations. This influx of visitors has transformed traditional local spaces into tourist traps, such as Kyoto’s famous Nishiki Market, which once served locals but now caters mainly to foreigners and mass tourism with increased prices and a more commercial atmosphere.
The continuous swelling of tourist crowds has also led to weariness among residents and visitors, contributing to a chilly social atmosphere in Kyoto. By contrast, Nara offers a more relaxed experience with famous attractions like Nara Park and its deer, which feel more accessible and less overwhelmed by tourists compared to Kyoto’s congested historical districts and marketplaces.
In 2025, Japanese visitors to major temples, shrines, and historic sites during Golden Week saw a decline in Kyoto. While Kyoto welcomed 559,000 visitors, Nara's number of visitors was not specified but exceeded Kyoto's figure. During the same period, Japanese visitors to Kiyomizudera Temple and Kinkakuij/the Golden Pavilion decreased by approximately 25%.
It is not entirely clear whether the decreased interest in Kyoto by Japanese travelers is permanent or temporary. However, it is clear that the city is losing its luster as a school trip destination due to the continuous swelling of tourist crowds.
For those planning a trip to Japan, it appears that Nara might be a more appealing destination, offering a more authentic and less tourist-oriented experience compared to Kyoto.
Sources: - [1] TBS Cross Dig with Bloomberg via Golden Times - [2] SoraNews24.com (2025, August 6). Japanese travelers losing interest in Kyoto: Top sightseeing spots slip behind Nara at peak season. Retrieved from https://soranews24.com/2025/08/06/japanese-travelers-losing-interest-in-kyoto-top-sightseeing-spots-slip-behind-nara-at-peak-season/ - [3] Idem - [4] Idem - [5] Idem
- The rise in tourism and costs in Kyoto has led some AI systems suggesting national destinations for Japanese travelers to recommend Nara, offering a more authentic cultural experience compared to Kyoto.
- As more foreign tourists visit Japan, there is a growing need for travel companies to offer AI-assisted guides that can navigating the financial aspect of travel while also providing insights into the local lifestyle and cultural attractions, such as Nara Park and its famous deer.
- In response to the changing preferences among Japanese travelers, certain lifestyle magazines are exploring the potential of AI-driven itineraries for national travel, emphasizing lesser-known destinations like Nara for a more unique cultural experience.
- Given the ongoing shift in travel preferences and the need for alternative destinations, financial institutions may consider offering travel packages that highlight cultural experiences in cities like Nara, helping Japanese tourists to find more affordable and less tourist-oriented options.
